SAp Instrumental projects
SAp Instrumental projects

First images in X-rays of jets expanding from a microquasar (Corbel et al. Science 2002).

SAp, with the support of SIS and SEDI, is involved in the realization of three major space instruments (the PACS and SPIRE HERSCHEL instruments and MIRI, the mid-infrared instrument to equip the JWST telescope, the successor of the Hubble Space Telescope). SAp also participate in the GLAST and PLANCK projects but only on software for data analysis. SAp is also actively preparing the future by leading feasibility studies of five projects, four space projects and one ground-based project.  
With the Simbol-X project, proposed in response to the CNES call for tenders on projects based on spacecrafts flying in formation, and the Eclairs project, proposed in response to the CNES call for tenders on microsatellites, as well as the associated Research & Development studies on the detection of γ radiation using Cd(Zn)Te «polycells», the detection of X and γ radiation continues to be an area of excellence for SAp. Helioseismology is a powerful tool for studying the inside of the Sun. Gaining an accurate understanding of the Sun is an essential step in advancing knowledge of the way stars evolve.  
SAp Instrumental projects

The motion of Cygnus X-1 (red arrow)and of the parent cluster of stars(yellow arrow) indicate that this black hole was formed without an energetic and luminous Supernova explosion (Mirabel et al. Science 2003).

SAp Instrumental projects

The mid infrared images obtained with the ISOCAM camera on-board the ISO satellite have revealed a crucial phase in galaxies lifetime during which they experiment a burst of star formation (Elbaz & Cesarsky, Science 2003).

The Golf-NG project, proposed in response to the CNES call for tenders on microsatellites, the principal aim of which is to detect gravitational modes and to understand activity cycles, could follow on from SOHO-Golf. Based on the technological progress achieved with the development of submillimetre detector arrays as part of the Herschel project, plans for a large-field submillimetre instrument on a large ground-based telescope are being drawn up. In the longer term, towards 2015, a space mission to study dark matter and dark energy using a wide-field optical and infrared telescope in space (JDEM type), will almost certainly take place. SAp is taking part in the preliminary research alongside the US and Europe (the DUNE proposal sent to CNES). 
#556 - Last update : 02/07 2005

 

Retour en haut